Mascot Rental

Not sure if you're willing to invest in a mascot costume yet? Why not try renting one?! Many people are hesitant in purchasing a mascot costume because they are unfamiliar with this type of costume. Since mascot costumes are much different than a typical Halloween costume, it may be a good idea to rent one so you can experiment with it and learn how they feel on, how you can use them for your event, etc.

This can also be a good way to determine what type of character would work for your situation if you're not quite sure yet. Perhaps you'll find that an animal you didn't expect to work ended up working great.

If you're interested in renting a mascot costume, click this link to go to the website of a company that has a good rental stock selection. The rental process is easy, so check it out!

Make Your Mascot Talk!

Typically, mascot performers shouldn't speak while in costume. The main reason for this is because it is very difficult for your voice to be heard. Even when you're speaking loudly, the size of the mascot head and the insulation from the foam, etc will prevent your voice from being heard. However, if you'd like your mascot character to be able to communicate with people, there is a solution! You can invest in a mascot amplification system!

There are some great compact amplification systems that you can get that will make it easy for your mascot character to speak with patrons. They come with a headset including a microphone. But if you choose to purchase an amplification system so your costumed actor can communicate, it would be smart to have them use a special, cartoony voice. If your character just sounds like a regular person, it will be very boring and ruin the illusion of the character. Click here to go to a website that has different amplification options to use with your mascot!

How To Properly Store A Mascot Costume

So you have a mascot but don't know how to store it? This is one of the most important things to think about if you want your mascot costume to last a long time! When not in use, a mascot costume should be stored in some sort of container. If you don't store it in something, the costume will be exposed to dirt, dust, water, etc.

It would be a smart idea to invest in a quality storage container to protect the mascot costume from the elements. There are many different options... The most inexpensive being a canvas bag- but remember, this is not the most protective option! You should seriously consider a more reliable storage container such as a plastic case or hard case. Some of these cases even come with wheels for easy transportation.

Click here to go to a site that offers a wide range of options for mascot storage. You'll be sure to find an option that will fit in your budget. We've had great luck dealing with this company and the cases are great!

Mascot Hydration

It’s officially summer and it is HOT outside! When wearing a mascot costume, it’s ALWAYS important to be well hydrated, but this is especially true when you will be outside during the hot, humid summer months. You should not only hydrate before going out in costume, but also during.

In order to remain hydrated throughout the day, you should create a schedule for your performer. For instance, the performer should have a set amount of time in costume and then get at least a 5-10 minute break to rehydrate. But remember, the performer’s break should occur away from the public. A mascot character should NEVER take off any part of their costume while in front of people. Be sure to have a designated break area where the public doesn’t have access and have plenty of water waiting for them.

There are also mascot cooling systems that hold water and have a tube that leads up to the performer’s mouth so they can drink water while wearing the costume. This will allow your performer to stay in costume for longer periods of time and will also keep your performer happy. Click here to be redirected to a site that offers a great mascot water cooling system.

Signing Autographs

While not necessary, having your mascot sign autographs is an added treat for children. In the eyes of a child, a mascot character is a big deal- basically a celebrity! They love to be able to take home any memory of their visit with the character, and what’s more personal than an autograph?! However, if you decide to have your mascot character sign autographs at events, it’s important that all actors who will wear the costume have identical signatures for the character.

First of all, the signature should not be a basic, plain old signature. Your mascot character is a larger than life cartoon- that is what the signature should portray as well. Make the signature fit your character in some way….if it’s a dog, perhaps it should incorporate a drawing of a paw, etc.

Once you come up with a creative signature, have all of the people who will be wearing the costume memorize the signature (and practice signing it with the costume on). Be sure they all look the same. That way, no matter who is wearing the costume, the autograph will always look the same. After all, there is only ONE character, right?! Imagine if a child got your mascot’s autograph at two different events and they looked nothing alike. That would ruin the illusion of the character.

Check out a couple examples of how to make creative autographs for your mascot:

Posing For Photographs With Mascots

One of the most common activities you will be doing while wearing a mascot costume is having your photograph taken. Children and even adults love to capture a memory with the character. While many would assume this would be a simple job that requires no preparation, they are incorrect. Sure, anyone can wear a mascot costume and simply stand in one spot and have people take photos with them, but that won’t portray any life in the photo.

You never see a Disney character simply standing with their arms at their side for a photograph. They always have some form of ‘movement’ or ‘life’ (ie: arm(s) in the air, foot out to the side, etc). This brings the photo to life and can transfer an emotion or mood through the photo.

Look at the photo we found online... simply waving creates life in the photo, or the mouse on the right has his hand up to his mouth which makes it seem as though the character is laughing!

These costumes can be purchased at this site

Practice different creative poses in front of a mirror and figure out what works best for you!

Mascot Preparation

If your school already has a costume, ask if you can use it to practice. It’s important to get a feel for what being in costume is actually like. It’s NOT the same as performing out of costume! It would also be smart to practice at whatever location the actual event will take place. This is important so you can get a feel for what the temperature will be like inside the costume. You’ll be surprised to find that even if you’re in an air conditioned arena or gym, you’ll still get very warm (especially if you’re being extra energetic like a good mascot should!)

You may find that the temperature inside the costume limits the amount of time you can stay in costume. If your costume doesn’t already have a cooling system, you should definitely look into investing in one. They are rather inexpensive and can extend the amount of time you’ll be able to perform in costume by at least 45 minutes! Not to mention, you’ll feel a million times more comfortable in the costume. This will reflect in your performance.

If you’re hot and uncomfortable in the costume, chances are, you won’t be overly energetic or in the mood to be jumping and running around getting the crowd pumped up. This site has a great selection of quality cooling systems that can be used. If you’re currently looking to invest in a new mascot costume, you can also purchase a costume that comes with a built in ventilation fan in the mascot head. This company has a large selection of ventilated mascot costumes.

Mascots Need To Do Their Research!!

Is this your first time wearing a mascot costume? Then you may want to do some research! Especially if you will be wearing the mascot costume for your school, you’ll want to find out what some of the previous mascots did and if they were successful. If you are unable to find those who wore the mascot costume previously, ask other people. If they attended games or special events, they may remember and be able to tell you how the mascots entertained the crowd.

Watch video of mascots in college and the pros! See what their routine is, how they manage to engage the crowd, and what makes them successful and entertaining. Youtube is a great resource, so use it to your advantage!

If you’ll be wearing the mascot costume for a school or university, chances are, you’ll be working with the school’s cheerleaders and pep band. Talk with both groups to see what kind of routines they are doing and if they’d be interested in doing any routines with the mascot. If nothing else, at least find out what songs the pep band will be playing so you can plan some routines yourself. Choreographed routines are always an added treat for spectators and add to the professionalism of your routine!

Mascots Should Use Their Surroundings!

Before wearing your mascot costume at a public event, you must become familiar with your surroundings. One reason, of course, is for your safety. When you wear the mascot costume, you’ll find that your vision will be very limited. Your peripheral vision will often times be nonexistent due to the large mascot head. Not only will your vision be limited, but your movement as well. Wearing the large costume, head and shoes will limit your movement. Of course, after a lot of practice and use of the costume, it will begin to feel like a second skin and feel natural for you- this is especially true if you are very familiar with the area you will be performing in.

You also want to become familiar with your surroundings so you know what kind of performance area you are working with. As we’ve discussed before, you need to be as animated and energetic as possible. If you are familiar with your surroundings, you’ll be able to locate surfaces that you could jump on to (and practice getting back down safely!). Utilizing multiple levels and constantly changing levels will give your mascot character more life and energy. It will also make you more entertaining.

Often times, you’ll find that the location you will be performing at doesn’t have any higher levels for you to utilize. If this is the case, you might want to consider creating your own- ie: wood boxes, steps, etc. If you do this, be sure that they are out of the way so the general public doesn’t get hurt.

Show Emotion INSIDE Your Mascot Costume!

A great tip that can help you show emotion in a mascot costume is to use facial expressions inside the costume even though no one can see your expressions. Practice facial expressions in front of a mirror for various emotions (happy, sad, excited, etc).

Once you figure out what your facial expressions would look like if you were mad, sad, happy, etc, translate that into your mascot head. Chances are, the face of your mascot head will not move, so you must find ways to use your body to show the same emotion.

However, making your facial expressions while wearing the costume will help you 'feel' the emotion you're trying to express. For example, if you're trying to make your mascot character look like they're sad, hang your head and slouch your shoulders. If you want to look fierce, jump onto a block and pound on your chest.

You'll be amazed at the difference it will make if you actually make the facial expressions while wearing the costume. This is just one more way for you to become the character!

Click Here To Check Out Some Great Mascot Costumes!

When Would I Use a Mascot?

When would your business or organization use a mascot costume?? The opportunities are ENDLESS!! Here are just SOME examples:

• - Parades
• - Festivals
• - Promotional events
• - Press Conferences
• - College visits
• - Sports events
• - Tv commercials
• - Sales
• - Charity events

The list goes on and on! So what are you waiting for?

Communicating in a Mascot Costume

Mascots should never speak! When the person wearing the costume speaks to patrons while wearing the mascot costume, it ruins the illusion for children. When you speak while wearing a mascot costume, your voice will be extremely muffled. Not only will it be hard to hear or understand what you’re saying, but it will also sound like a normal human being.

You must remember, children actually believe that the costume is an actual living character- not a person wearing a costume!! Also, in most cases, the same person will not be wearing the costume every single time. Each person who wears the costume will have a different voice.

Chances are, you will get at least a handful of children who will ask why the character won’t speak to them. If the mascot has a guide (which they should if they are doing a meet and greet!), the guide can give the child any number of answers (ie: his throat is sore from singing earlier that day, he’s saving his voice for the show, he’s shy, etc- be creative!).

It’s a good idea to have a written description of how your character acts. That way, every person who wears the costume will know exactly how they are supposed to act. For example, if your mascot is supposed to have a shy personality, you wouldn’t want one person to be jumping around and being outgoing and the next person in the costume being shy and playing the actual character. Consistency is key!

Mascots Make You Money!!

One of the most common uses for mascot costumes is for high school or college sports teams. However, businesses are using mascot characters more and more in their marketing plans. But why? Because they WORK!

Businesses use mascot costumes for many reasons. First of all, they are a perfect way to promote a company, product, or event. Utilizing a mascot costume creates an association for the public. When they need a product, the memory of the mascot will help bring the marketing campaign back to mind during the purchasing process. According to the article “Use of Mascots” by Amy Nutt, “Many tout mascots as being the best choice for placing funds for marketing. Experts say it will yield the best rate of return for the investment placed in a mascot.”

Mascots can be especially helpful in promoting a new business. If your business is new, you have to set yourself apart from the competition and create an image for yourself. What will you remember more? A company who has a businessman hand you a promotional pen or a mascot character handing you a pen? Chances are, you’ll remember the latter.

Still aren’t convinced you should invest in a mascot costume for your business? Think about all of the successful businesses currently utilizing mascot characters… Disney, Universal Studios, Kellog’s (Tony the Tiger, Toucan Sam, Snap Crackle & Pop, Etc), Sony, Best Buy, etc etc. The list goes on and on! Do you really think so many successful companies would use mascot costumes if they didn’t KNOW that they worked? I don’t think so! So what are you waiting for?! Get a committee together and start brainstorming what mascot character you could use! Not sure which mascot company to trust with this investment? Check out this website! They make amazing costumes and you’ll definitely be happy with the finished product!

Custom Mascot Costumes

So your company or organization has decided to look into investing in a mascot costume? What kind of mascot should you get? There are tons of mascot costumes available online, but do none of them fit your company or organization’s image? Did you know you can have CUSTOM mascot costumes created?!

If you currently have a character or logo for your business or organization, you can have that character or logo reproduced as a mascot costume! Only the top mascot costume companies manufacture custom mascot costumes.

It’s important that you don’t just shop around for the cheapest custom costume- be sure to look at images of custom mascot costumes that the company has created for other clients. After all, you want to be sure to get an accurate representation of your character or logo to be properly identified by your audience. Nothing would be worse than to invest in a custom mascot costume only to find that it looks nothing like you imagined and won’t identify with your company or organization.

When purchasing a mascot costume, you should seriously consider going with a custom designed costume. Having a custom costume designed means you will be the ONLY company or organization using it! Sure, you could use a stock mascot, but why not go the extra mile and really set yourself apart from the competition! This mascot company does a great deal of custom mascot business. Check out their client list and you’ll see they’re obviously one of the top in the business! We’ve had custom mascot costumes made by them and they’re amazing!

How to Put On A Mascot Costume

While putting on a mascot costume may sound like an easy thing to do, there are a few tips that can make it easier to do.

First of all, make sure the area is clean and clear of dust bunnies. It wouldn't hurt to lay a drop cloth or tarp of some sort on the ground the ensure there is not dirt in the area. This will prolong the life of the costume and keep it looking brand new.

We suggest you have a dressing assistant to help you get in and out of the costume. Mascot costumes typically have a great deal of foam and material. Due to the amount of extra padding and material, it is much more difficult to get dressed as compared to putting on regular clothes. This can easily end in losing your balance, which you would obviously want to avoid. A dressing assistant can also prevent the fabric or fur from getting snagged or caught which could result in ripping.

Always take you shoes off before putting on the mascot costume. This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, it will help keep the costume clean. Second, the rubber soles on tennis shoes tends to stick or get caught in the legs of the costumes. This can result in ripping.

We recommend you use a full length mirror to put on the costume. This will allow you to make sure everything looks correct (ie: the leg coverings are covering you legs, your arms are covered ,the costume is on the right way, etc).

If your mascot costume has a shirt (t-shirt, jersey, etc), put the shirt on the mascot costume before putting on the mascot head. Mascot heads are made to be larger than life and attempting to put the shirt on over the head will stretch the shirt out tremendously, and possibly rip it.

Bulldog Costumes

If your mascot costume head has a built in fan installed, you may want to wear a hair net or hat if you have long hair to prevent it from getting caught in the net.

Make sure you have someone double check the costume before you go out into the public. Make sure there isn't any skin or clothing showing under the costume. You want to be fully covered- nothing ruins the illusion of the costumed character actually BEING the character more than simple things like this.

Animated Mascot Costumes!

Do you want to REALLY set yourself apart from the competition? It is now possible to add animated features to your mascot character! Imagine- your mascot’s eyes could blink and its mouth could move! This would bring your costumed character to life in a whole new way! And the movement is completely controlled by the person in costume.

Adding this option could allow your mascot characters to perform for a show to a pre-recorded track. Imagine your mascot actually speaking, singing, etc! How cool is that?! Check out the mascot animation options offered by this company!

How to Prepare Yourself to BECOME a Mascot

As we discussed earlier, it is important for the person acting in the mascot costume to have a lot of energy. It is also important for the person who will be wearing the costume to have a high level of stamina. To build stamina, it is important to incorporate cardiovascular training into your weekly routine. This will help build the endurance you will need to keep moving throughout an entire event. For example, a college football or basketball mascot will have to be out for a good portion of the game. Building your cardiovascular endurance will help you maintain your energy for an entire game. Your cardiovascular training can include running, walking, elliptical training, biking, etc. Choose something that you’re comfortable with and push yourself!

In addition to cardiovascular training, it is also important to incorporate strength training. Some mascots are required to perform acrobatic stunts. It is also fairly common for college sports mascots to do pushups at certain points in the game, whether it be when the team scores, etc. You’ll obviously have to be capable of doing pushups out of the costume before even attempting to do so in costume.

Don’t be afraid to step outside the box. Taking at least a couple of dance classes will help give your mascot that extra zip it needs to keep patrons entertained. You can even check your local library for various dance instructional videos to aid in this department.

And most importantly, practice in front of a mirror (IN COSTUME!!!). There is a HUGE difference between practicing your mascot routines out of costume and in costume. You will be amazed at the temperature difference. While you can purchase cooling systems for the costumes, you still want to rehearse in costume (we do recommend you invest in a mascot cooling system- especially if your mascot will be performing in a warm area). There’s nothing worse than getting out in front of a crowd and realizing you’re not comfortable in the costume.

When practicing in front of a mirror, pay close attention to how you ‘come to life.’ Are your movements exaggerated enough? Are you animated enough? Are you able to portray emotions or messages without being able to speak to the crowd? Experiment! This is your time to figure out what does and doesn’t work!

HAVE fun, don't MAKE fun!

How many of you have had an unpleasant experience with a costumed character or mascot? Did they single you out? Poke fun at you? Embarrass you in front of your friends? This is something you must pay close attention to when wearing a mascot costume.

If your costumed character makes fun of a patron or makes them uncomfortable, it reflects poorly on your business or organization. It is important that the person wearing the costume HAS fun with the patrons rather than MAKING fun of them.

It is also important to be cautious with children while in a mascot costume. If a child is fearful of the character, never force them to meet with or take a photo with the character. Let it be their choice!

Why Should I Use a Mascot??

Whatever product, service, or event you are promoting, the color and excitement provided by a 7-foot "fantasy-come-to-life" character is irresistible. Children and adults adore them. In today's world, the public is bombarded with a multitude of messages, and it has become increasingly difficult for an organization to stand out from the crowd and be noticed. Mascots provide instant attention, recognition and fun! Mascots automatically put the spotlight on YOUR message, product, or organization.

Do you think a mascot will not help promote your business, event, service, or product? Think again! Mascots have been a major component in grabbing the attention of consumers for YEARS! Just look at some examples of mascots used by successful companies and organizations and tell us you think they wouldn't use mascots if it wasn't beneficial!

So what are you waiting for?! Start creating an image for your business, event, product, etc! This costume company is well known for creating custom mascot costumes that will match your logo, product and more! They have created mascots for some of the top businesses in the world!

Caring For Your Mascot Costume

Purchasing a mascot costume is a major investment. It's important to take proper care in storing and cleaning the costume in order to get the maximum life out of it. If you purchase a high quality mascot, with proper care, it should last for a very long time, if not a lifetime!

In most cases, the actor who is responsible for wearing the mascot costume will perspire while wearing the costume. This can result in an unpleasant odor, not only for the actor inside the costume, but also for those who encounter the character. This can be prevented with proper cleaning of the mascot. It's important to keep the costume smelling fresh and clean!

Depending on what type of mascot you purchase, some can be hand washed or dry cleaned (however, in most cases, dry cleaning is not recommended-dry cleaning chemicals can ruin poly foam which is typically a component of mascot costumes). It's recommended that the costume be washed in cool water and left out to dry thoroughly. It's important to either drip dry or cold dry your costume. Heat WILL RUIN your costume! Hot dryers can, and will, melt or shrink your costume. Poly foam can be hand washed in cool water as well, however, it is important to gently and thoroughly squeeze the water out after, as poly foam will retain water. The foam should then be placed in front of a fan to dry thoroughly. But remember, don't wash it unless you have at least a week to allow it to dry. This will prevent mildew.

There are several products that can be used to keep your mascot costume clean and looking like new (stain removers, odor removers, etc.). There's one costume company that actually sells a mascot maintenance kit that has all the tools you need to keep your costume fresh and clean. It comes with cleaner, a sponge, spot lifter, a cleaning brush, fabric protector, disinfectant, odor eliminator, pin brush (for restoring costume fur and hair), a handy carrying bag and a complete user guide. This company has been in the business for years and has determined that these are the best and safest products to use on mascot costumes, so this is your best bet when caring for you costume. The Mascot Maintenance Kit can be purchased at this website.